I'm going to take a stab at this.....I hope I can get it done on time though....well here's the intro written by Starbuck
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HALLOWEEN CHALLENGE -2005
Intro Story - Halloween Night - 9pm

Sue hadn’t meant to cry out, it was a knee jerk reaction. In her heart, she hoped she hadn’t. But a moment later Jack seized her hand, and she knew she had said something. His shoulder was against hers now, the reassuring scent of his cologne tickling her senses, left blank by the darkness. He squeezed gently, and she squeezed back as lightning flashed, revealing a peek at the scene around them. A light flickered across the room, matches, and candles, and Jack O’Lanterns burst to life as waiters made their way from one end of the room to the other. Dressed as ghouls, their eerie makeup did nothing to soothe the situation. Candelabras were added, the effect surreal, and while she could now see around her, she was grateful Jack didn’t let go. “It’s a good thing Levi isn’t here… he wouldn’t appreciate this, even though it would seem planned.”

“It would have been nice if they had let us know before killing the lights. Levi’s probably much happier following Lucy around back at headquarters.” Jack answered, still looking around. Hardly as bright as it had been before, there more than enough light. Sue finally seemed to relax a bit, although her eyes sensually deeper…sparkling now in candlelight. Wetting his lips, he looked away, searching for Bobby and Tara where he had last seen them. Finally Jack spotted him, his Indiana Jones Hat hiding most of face, at attention, he was clearly now scanning the room. Realizing Myles and Dimitrius were most likely assisting the staff as was their cover, Jack turned. Sure enough, Myles in full ghoul makeup, was by the door, Dimitrius, complete with artificial wounds, stood by the large window overlooking the lake below. Jack turned back to Sue. “Any sign of Mulligan?”

“No. He had just said something about payment, when the lights went out. Do you think he knows he’s under surveillance?”

Jack held up his hand and paused, then met her eyes and shook his head. “They just announced the bridge is out, and there is no other way off this private island. They won't be able to work on it until morning. Remind me never to work Halloween again.”

“It’s not like we had much choice, Mulligan’s been in hiding now for six months… it’s the first real break to find the bank robbers.” Sue answered.

“Maybe so… leave it to a bank robber to pick a Halloween Scare Party.”

“Scare party?” she echoed, worried by the implication.

“It’s no big deal… they just dim the lights, dress a few staff in costumes… a few effects…” his voice dropped under Sue’s gaze, the cravat from his costume suddenly tighter. The costumes had been Lucy’s responsibility, blending them in amongst the guests, and the perfect cover… but dressed as Christine and Rauol, he had not missed the implication…the couple engaged by the end of the story…Phantom of the Opera. In reality, he had done little to nothing since Sue had made the decision not to move to New York… although he had vowed things would be different. Too nervous to lose a friend, too focused on the present, but then he assumed he had all the time he needed, and he knew better. It had been the worst of ironies to find Mulligan dressed as the Phantom himself, the perfect excuse for wearing a mask, although fortunately it didn’t hinder Sue’s lip reading.

“There he is… near Tara.” Sue whispered, and nodded. Mulligan, not more than two people away, seemed oblivious of Tara. Dressed as Marion from Raiders of the Lost Ark…she seemed perfectly in character, working her way through the crowd, until she was close, Myles shadowing her from the other direction.

“So all we need to do is hold the fort… and wait for morning, and reinforcements.”

“And between now and then, hope Mulligan says or does something that we can use…and maybe even lead us to his accomplices.” Sue added.

“Shouldn’t be hard.”

Sue didn’t need to hear his voice… the doubt clear in his eyes. Jack was worried and rightfully so. They were no longer in control, the situation no longer secure. Mulligan could be alone, or there could be several suspects… all in costume… it was going to be a long night.

Here's the first chapter....enjoy....
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CHAPTER 1

"Love is a haunting melody that I have never mastered and I fear I never will."-- William S. Burroughs

Halloween Night--9:30

The "party"(if you wanted to call it that) had begun. Food was being served. Some couples danced to the soft playing music. Mulligan was sitting on one side of the room, while Jack and Sue sat on the opposite side. Bobby and Tara were on the right side of the room near the windows. Jack felt tense. He didn't know exactly why. Maybe it was because he was eating dinner with Sue. Maybe it was because the bridge had gone out and they no longer had much control. It could have been any number of things. But right now he had to keep his mind on the task at hand.

"Has he said anything that might help us?" Jack asked. It had been a half an hour and they had come up with anything new.

"I picked up a couple of names. They could be his accomplices," Sue replied. She had also been somewhat frustrated. She was also beginning to feel kind of awkward. Almost like she was being watched. It made her nervous.

"What were the names?" Jack asked thankful for at least a little information.

"They were Marcus, Tony, and Carlos...I think," Sue answered.

"Did he give any indication as to who they were?" Jack asked.

"No. Not that I could see anyway," Sue answered.

"I wonder if he knows that he's being watched?"

"It's possible. But I don't think that it's likely."

Jack sighed. Jack wanted to tell her desperately how he felt. Stay on task. His conscience rang out. He shook off the thought. "Well, keep looking."

Sue nodded and turned her attention back toward Mulligan. As she read what she was saying, something caught her eye. It was a person. He was a waiter...wearing thesamemakeup as the others, he didn't stick out. Yet something about him seemed vaguely familar.

Jack watched as Sue stared at something. He followed her gaze and saw nothing unusual. But she couldn't take her eyes off of it. Jack couldn't make anything of it. "What is it?" he asked, but after he didn't get a reaction, he could tell she hadn't seen what he said. He touched her arm to get her attention.

Sue felt Jack's hand on her arm and it sent shivers down her back. It always had. She turned toward him. His eyes had concern in them along with confusion.

Jack said again, "What is it?"

"I don't know. That man standing near Mulligan looks familar." Sue motioned toward the man she was looking at. Jack looked at the man. He still couldn't see why she had been staring.

Sue asked, "Do you recognize him at all?"

"No."

Who is he? Sue asked herself. Then it hit her.
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I hope you enjoy and I know you'll be reading more because you want to know who Sue is looking at...so to not try your patience...I'll post the next chapter ASAP....I promise....

This one doesn't tell you who the waiter is...but I'll give you a clue....think of the names mentioned.....well I hope you enjoy this next chapter...
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CHAPTER 2

"Love at first sight is easy to understand; it's when two people have been staring at each other for a lifetime that it becomes a miracle."--Amy Bloom

Halloween Night-- 10:00

Sue's heart pounded. He looked a lot different, but it was him. She couldn't believe her eyes. His name rang in her head.

Jack saw Sue's face suddenly turn pale. "Are you okay?" he asked with concern.

Sue felt dizzy. "I don't think so."

"What is it?"

"I think.. I know....who one of Mulligan's accomplices is."

"Who?"
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Tara and Bobby were dancing when Tara saw Sue's face turn pale. She asked Bobby, "Is it just me or does Sue not look so good?"

"You know, sheila, you're right. She doesn't look well," Bobby answered. Tara loved it when he called her that. One of her guilty pleasures. Anyway, when Tara saw Sue get up, she looked at Bobby as if asking if she could go with her. Tara crossed the dance floor and went to Sue.

Sue was startled when Tara came up to her and tapped her shoulder. "I'm sorry," Tara said when she saw that she had frightened her friend.

"It's okay. I'm just a little shaken up," Sue told her.

"You don't look so good. Are you okay?" Tara asked as they entered the bathroom.

"No, I'm not okay."

"But why not?" Tara asked with concern.

Sue wanted to tell her, but she couldn't. "It's just....well..." Sue tried to stall, but she knew that Tara could see right through her. "I saw Mulligan talking about 3 men. I just caught their names. Marcus, Tony, and Carlos."

"That's all?" Tara asked, puzzled as to why that would have shaken her up.

Sue didn't like lying, but she couldn't tell her. "Yea, that's all."

Tara said, "Well, I'm okay. What about you?"

"For now," Sue said as they left. Sue, feeling guilty, headed back to her table.
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Jack looked up when he saw Sue coming towards him. For a moment he imagined that he was in some kind of a story book. Sue looked gorgeous dressed as Christine. Her dress was white and layered, just like the one in the movie. It was beautiful and Jack couldn't help thinking that Sue looked beautiful in it. Her hair was curled...well...just everything about her was perfect. Just like the woman he had come to love. Now is not the time to think about that, Jack thought. Though he wished that that was all that he could think about, they were on a mission. He didn't have control of much, but he could at least try to keep control of his train of thought.

Sue said thanks to Tara and then looked back to where Jack was sitting. He looks so handsome, she found herself thinking. She couldn't help it. More than once had the sight of him calmed her fears. That was exactly what she wanted. She wanted for him to hold her in his arms and.....What am I thinking? Why would he do that? Ever since she had decided to stay, she had wondered about his feelings for her. Whether his feelings were indifferent or...if...he....why would he love ME? Sue thought to herself. She decided that she wasn't going to let her emotions get the best of her tonight. They were on a case and she would have to force herself to think of that instead of him.

When she got to the table Jack stood up and said to her, "They're playing your song."

Sue was puzzled, "What song?"

"Think of Me," Jack answered.

Sue thought, What a coincidence.

Jack asked, "May I have the honor of this dance?"

Sue curtsied, took his arm, and they glided onto the dance floor.
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thanks so much for your comments....I really appreciate it...it keeps me going....thank you thank you

Here's the next chapter...I hope you enjoy
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CHAPTER 3

"Love is a condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own."-- Robert Heinlein

Halloween Night-- 10:30

"Is Sue okay?" Bobby asked when Tara got back.

"I'm not sure. I have a feeling she didn't tell me everything," Tara answered.

"Well, I'm sure if she thinks that it's important, she'll tell you in time," Bobby reassured.

"Listen."

"What?"

"It's 'Think of Me'. And look," Tara said as they both looked toward Jack and Sue, "they're going to dance."

"Would you like to join them?" Bobby said as he offered his arm. Tara took it and they joined Jack and Sue on the dance floor.
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As they danced, Jack noticed that Sue seemed uneasy. Her eyes were deep and appeared saddened. She had a forced smile and she looked unhappy. That wasn't like her. With Sue looking at him, Jack said, "The rain has stopped." He motioned for her to look outside. She gave him a half smile and then lowered her head. Jack stopped dancing for a moment. He put his finger under her chin and guided it so that her eyes looked into his. "But it appears that it's still dampening your spirits."

Sue looked into his eyes. She could see the concern and caring hidden in them. She knew he was right. But for some reason she couldn't tell him why.

Jack saw that she was still unhappy. "Come with me," Jack said as he took her hand. He led her off the dance floor and then up the stairs.

"Where are we going?" Sue asked as Jack pulled her along.

"You'll see," he answered.

They had gone up about three flights of stairs when Jack stopped. In
front of them was a door. He faced toward her and said, "Close your eyes......please." Sue closed her eyes, not sure what to expect next. Jack took her hands and led her throught the door.

Sue kept her eyes closed. As they had moved, she could feel the air
become colder and the fresh smell of the air, told her that she was outside. When she felt a tap on the shoulder, she opened her eyes. The sight she saw was breathtaking. It was overwhelming to take it all in. When she turned to Jack she saw him say, "Do you like?"

"It's wonderful. How did you know about this place?" Sue was curious to know. From what she could tell, they were on the roof. The moon was trying to shine through the clouds that remained.

"I actually stayed here when I first moved to D.C.," Jack said as he moved around. It looked like he was trying to remember something. He continued, "I found this place. I came up here every so often just to think."

Sue watched him contently. Somehow he always knew what she needed when she was down.

"Then I got an apartment and my job. I kind of missed this place." Then he said almost as an afterthought, "It's been a long time." He looked back at Sue. She smiled, not a forced smile, but her real smile. But he could still tell that deep inside of her something was bothering her.

"What's wrong?" he asked her.

"It's nothing," she told him. Though she knew it wasn't true.

"Then why are you so saddened by it? What is it?" Jack only wanted to know so that he could relieve her pain.

Sue dearly wanted to tell him. That's all she wanted. But something inside of her was screaming, Don't tell him! Don't tell him! But her heart screamed louder, Tell him! Tell him! "It's...it's..."

"It's what?" Jack asked concerned.

Sue was going to say it, but Jack put his hand up and put his other hand to his ear. "Bobby said that we should get down there. Come on." He again grabbed Sue's hand and they went down the same stairs that they had come up.

Sue thought to herself, Why do we always have to be interrupted? She knew she had promised herself that she wasn't going to let her emotions get the better of her, but now she knew that was going to be impossible. She was going to have to tell him someday it might as well be sooner rather than later.

Jack thought to himself as he lead Sue down the stairs, Dang you, Bobby! His own emotions were overwhelming him. He didn't want them to, but they were. Tell her! Tell her!, he heard his heart whisper to him. He wanted to tell her everything, but how would that effect his friendship with her. Would it ruin it completely? Or would it do just the opposite? He didn't know, but he would never know until he tried.

When they arrived downstairs, they both had to force themselves to focus on the work and not on each other.
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I would have made it more suspenseful...but I couldn't think of one without changing a lot....so...I guess I'll just have to leave at this until later....I hope you enjoyed it....oh...btw...thanks for your comments....Like I said...they keep me going.....

Here's the next chapter.....I hope you enjoy
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CHAPTER 4

"When you're in love you never really know whether your elation comes from the qualities of the one you love, or if it attributes them to her; whether the light which surrounds her like a halo comes from you, from her, or from the meeting of your sparks."-- Natalie Clifford Barney

Halloween Night-- 11:00

"It looks like he's talking about the weather. I don't think that it's anything connected with the robbery or the murder of that security guard," Sue said. Bobby had called them down because he thought that Mulligan was possibly talking with one of his accomplices.

"That's just great," Jack said. He was frustrated. He had been
interrupted for nothing. Nothing!

Sue looked around and her eyes met with the waiter. She saw him wink at her and she felt a cold chill go through her. It shouldn't have, but something about him seemed dark. She could feel her stomach churn. He kept his eyes on her and she couldn't turn away. She wanted to, more than anything, but some invisible force wouldn't let her. When he walked away, she closed her eyes, but his image haunted her. She opened them and when she looked around he was gone. He had disappeared from sight. It sent her heart racing. She was more afraid than she thought she ever could be.

Jack watched Sue as she began staring again. He followed her gaze
and found the same waiter that she had been staring had earlier that evening standing there. What is it about him that keeps her so entranced? Jack wondered to himself. He couldn't understand it. She seemed under a spell and she couldn't
break it. He touched her arm to make sure that he had her attention, "What is it?"

"It's him. He's To...." Sue began. Her words were interrupted by the
touch of someone's hand on her shoulder. Sue looked at the hand and then followed it up to the face of the stranger.

"May I have this dance?" he asked her.
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"Who is that?" D asked Myles.

"Who? Him?" Myles said motioning toward one of the waiters.

"Yeah. Who is that?"

"I don't know. A waiter?" Myles said sarcastically as he often did.

"I recognize him from somewhere. I've seen him before," D said
almost talking to himself.

Myles doggishly tilted his head to one side in puzzlement and
contemplation. "You know, he does looked a little familar. I think he appeared in one of my dreams." Myles jested. "Don't worry about him."

"But look," D told him.

"What?"

"Look at what he's staring at," D told him. Myles looked confused and
somewhat annoyed. "He's staring at Sue."

"Don't worry. Maybe it's an old friend." Myles said as he went back into the kitchen.

"Maybe...." D said and then soon forgot about it. He only hoped that Myles was right.
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"You're timing has got to be the worst," Tara told Bobby.

"What do you mean?" Bobby asked acting innocent.

"With Jack and Sue, when they go off somewhere, or with anyone for that matter, when they go off somewhere, that usually means that they want to be alone," Tara said half seriously, half teasing.

"Ooooohhhhh! That's what you mean. Well, Mulligan looked like he was saying something important. I had no other motives for calling them back down here," Bobby said defensively.

"Look," Tara said motioning toward Jack and Sue's table.

"Hey, who's that man?"
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Sorry to leave it there.....but I promise that as soon as I get the chance...I will post again...I cross my heart.....your replies are much appreciated by the way....thank you thank you ....till next time... :whistle:

Sorry, it's been a while...I've been a little bit busy.....actually I've been really busy....with school and volleyball and visitors.....so....anyway...hopefully I'll be able to catch up....here's the next chapter....enjoy...
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CHAPTER 5

"After all these years, I see that I was mistaken about Eve in the beginning; it is better to live outside the Garden with her than inside it without her."-- Mark Twain
Halloween Night-- 11:30

"Sure," Sue answered and the man offered his hand and Sue took it. But as she walked onto the dance floor she looked back and saw the jealousy in Jack's face. She turned away. At first, she felt guilty that she had said yes. But on the other hand she couldn't have just said no. That would have been rude. Still, she was upsetted by the man's interruption, which happened at the moment when she had gotten up the nerve to tell Jack the name that had been haunting her all evening. She turned back to him again and she saw him sign something. She signed back in answer, T-O-N-Y.

Jack knew that Sue was about to tell him something important. But wasn't able to finish. He caught the first part 'to..', but he didn't know what to make of it. But when he saw her take the man's hand and begin to walk to the dance floor, he became jealous. He saw her look at him. He signed to her, What is it? Then he saw her sign. His mind started spinning. Images flashed and now so many things began to make sense. Oh no, Jack thought to himself.
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"So, let's start at the beginning," Sue began, "what's your name?"

"Oh, I'm sorry," the stranger answered, "I'm Mark. What about you?"

"I'm Sue and I'm deaf."

"Oh. I'm sorry...... But then, how do you know what I'm saying?"

"I read lips," Sue answered as she always did at the familar question.

"That's amazing. I never would have known."

"So, what brings you here?"

"Some friends dragged me out here. I suppose it's not as bad as I imagined it would be. What about you?"

"Business. Although we haven't gotten much accomplished," Sue said as she looked at Jack.

Mark followed her look and said with a wink, "Oh, I see."

Sue laughed. Then, trying to end the akwardness she was beginning to
feel, she said, "Oh! I've been meaning to ask you, who are you dressed up as?"

"I'm dressed as Frank Hopkins from Hidalgo," Mark said as he tipped his cowboy hat. "Let me see if I can guess your's....mmmm....Christine from The Phantom of the Opera."

"How'd you guess?"

"I could tell your date was Raoul," he said as he nodded toward Jack. "And it did help that I've seen that movie just about a million times," he confessed.

Sue felt her heart flutter at the thought of Jack being her date. That had been a mistake a lot of people had made. They had also, many times, gotten the comment, "You two make a lovely couple." Sue had always loved that comment, although she probably shouldn't. The F.B.I. rule and all, but she couldn't help but think how wonderful it could be if it were true.

"He is your date, right?" Mark asked, hoping he had not assumed too much.

At first, Sue was going to say no, but then changed her mind, "Yeah, he is." We're undercover as a couple, she told herself. Plus, she loved the idea of it.

He nodded looking a little disappointed. Then, putting a smile on his face, he said, "Follow me."
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I've gotta catch up...so expect more posting from me...YAAAHHHH!!! ....I've got to get back to it...Oh....and thanks for the comments....

here's the next chapter...it's really long .....I hope you like it...I put a lot of time into it...so enjoy it....well maybe you enjoy is the wrong word....
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CHAPTER 6

"The past cannot be changed, but the future is still in your power."-- Hugh White

Halloween Night-- Midnight

Jack was helpless as he watched Sue dance with this "mystery man". He saw her laugh. He saw her smile. Why would she love me? he asked himself. She's beautiful and wonderful...and...perfect. He saw them dance and he felt his heart sink to his stomach. He shouldn't cut in....he couldn't. He was too afraid.

He couldn't stand it anymore. He stood from his chair and headed to the stairway. He went up a couple of steps, but some invisible force stopped him from going any further. He plopped himself on the stairs. With his elbows on his knees, his chin in his hands, he watched the wall--motionless and dull. But it was better than watching the woman of his dreams dancing with someone else.

"A little jealous, Sparky?" a familar voice asked.

Jack turned to Bobby and nervously cleared his throat. "Jealous? Me? Of course not," he said, his voice cracking.

Bobby sat himself on the stair. "I know you too well, mate. Your jealous."

"Why would you think that?" Jack asked trying to hide the truth.

"Why would you be over here if you weren't?" Bobby asked.

Jack knew his friend could see straight through him. "Well...maybe I am...a little...........jealous," he said forcing the last words out.

"Why don't you ask her to dance?"

"Because....haven't you seen them?" Jack said getting off the stairs. "They're enjoying themselves out....there...." Jack trailed off as he looked toward the dance floor, only to find that they had disappeared. "Bobby...." Jack said as he began to move toward the dance floor and Bobby got off the stairs and began to follow him. But no sooner had they gone a few steps, when they heard a blood curdling scream come from the main hallway- in the opposite direction. Jack turned around and began to run as fast as his legs would carry him and Bobby followed close behind him. Jack knew that scream and he prayed, Please, God, please let her be okay.
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Sue followed Mark through the big doors that led to the main hallway. The floor was marble and it stretched for about 40 feet. The ceiling had small chandaliers spread across it. Sue marveled at the sight of it. She spun in a circle and looked it over. But when she looked toward the far end of the hall, she saw him. He no longer had a costume or makeup on. So he looked more recognizable than he had been, but that didn't matter now. Now, she desperately wanted to run. But her feet wouldn't move.

As she looked at him, she saw Mulligan come from the side. They started walking towards them. She felt Mark grab her arm, but it was harsh and she knew something was wrong. Mulligan and Tony came to where they were standing and said, "Good job, Marcus."

"Marcus?" Sue asked confused.

Tony cut in, "Yeah, Mark as in short for Marcus." Sue's mind flashed
back to reading Mulligan's lips when he had said the names, Marcus, Tony, and Carlos. Sue wanted to kick herself. How could she have been so naive?

They began talking amoungst themselves, but Sue didn't pay attention because there was nothing useful. They talked about the weather and other small talk matters. Out of the corner of her eye, though, coming from the side where she had seen Mulligan come from, Sue saw a familar figure. It was D! She was relieved, but worried at the same time. She was afraid they would see him. Then he did what she had feared.

"Let her go, Mulligan!" D yelled down the long hallway.

"Why?" Mulligan challenged.

D pulled out his gun and pointed it in their direction. "I said let her go!" he repeated, presuming his gun could speak for itself.

Then, with horrified eyes, Sue saw a man come up behind D. "D, look out!" she yelled.

D turned around at the moment the gunshot went off. Sue watched as D clutched his right shoulder and fell to the ground. She screamed and her lungs felt as if they would burst. She tried to run to him, but the clutch on her arm just became tighter. D didn't move, except for the steady up and down movement of his stomach for proof that he was still breathing. She watched as the man held the gun over D, threatening to shoot, but he didn't. She looked at Mark and saw him say, "Leave him. He's not worth it, Carlos."

"Let's just go, before someone else comes," Tony told Mulligan.

Mulligan said, "Okay, let's go." Mark pulled Sue along at they headed toward the doors, but Mark picked up D's gun as they walked out the doors. Sue looked at D and saw the pain in his face.
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Jack ran through the doors- Bobby close behind him- and saw Dimitrius lying on the floor. "D..." Jack said as he dropped to the floor and supported his head. Bobby hovered over them.

With much effort, D said, "I'm fine....but Sue.....they have Sue....."

"Where did they go?" Jack asked concerned.

Dimitrius looked at the doors. Jack gently put D's head back on the floor. Bobby got down to Jack's level and told him, "I'll take care of this. Go after her, mate."

Jack got up and raced out the door. He looked around and saw ahead of him some men and, in the back of the group, there was Sue. He pulled out his gun from the back of his belt and pointed it at them, "Mulligan!"
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They had not gone very far before Sue felt herself being turned around. She saw Jack standing only a few feet away. Mark put his arm around her neck and Sue could feel the cold metal of the gun against her temple.

Jack stopped, frozen in his tracks. He watched horrified as one of the men held a gun to Sue's head. Then from the side of the group, he saw another man walk forward. "Tony?" Jack asked as he lowered his gun.

"Jack. It's been a long time."

"Let her go, Tony!" Jack yelled.

"Do we have to go through this again?" Tony asked. "Well, if you want Sue alive, you'll go back inside and then we can disappear."

"Then what, Tony? Then what?"

"That's none of your concern. Just throw your gun over here. Nice and easy."

Jack didn't know what to do. He looked to Sue and saw the fear in her
eyes. He dropped his gun. He told himself her had no choice. Sue meant the world to him. A man came up to him and picked up the gun.

"Now turn around and go back inside," Tony ordered. He knew that Sue was his greatest weakness.

Jack turned and slowly started to walk toward the doors. But he had only gone a couple of inches when he was hit hard on the head. He fell to the ground and was going into unconscienceness when he heard Sue's voice echo, "Jack!"
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I'm sorry I have to make it this way...but I promise that I will be TRYING to post every day....but....if I don't...well....I'll play it by ear....but I promise you this....that when I have free time....I'll be working on this....oh...as always...thanks for your comments....

Here's the next chapter....I hope you enjoy.....
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CHAPTER 7

"We all need friends with whom we can speak of our deepest concerns and who do not fear to speak the truth in love to us."-- Margaret Guenther

Halloween Night-- 12:30

Jack awoke in the warmth of the hotel. He could feel the hard wood of a bench beneath him, with a cushion under his head. His vision was blurred and all he could see was a figure looming over him and lights shining brightly into his eyes. Then he heard a voice, the one he had heard so many times. He rubbed his eyes, trying to make his vision more clear. Gradually, it did. He saw Bobby standing next to him and he heard him ask, "What happened to you, mate?"

Jack sat up, but winced from the pain that he felt in his head. He held the wound and he took the ice that Bobby offered. He continued to slowly put his feet on the floor. He held the ice to his head while he answered, "They had Sue. I tried to help her, but...."

"But what?" Bobby asked, seeing that even the memory of what had happened cut through his emotions.

"But," Jack continued, "I couldn't. They threatened to..." Jack couldn't finish.

Bobby knew what Jack was trying to say, but couldn't. So he
asked, "So how did you get knocked out?"

"Well, they told me that if I dropped my gun and went inside, Sue wouldn't get hurt. So I dropped my gun and then the next thing I knew I was
unconscience," Jack said rubbing his head.

"But...why Sue?" Bobby asked.

Jack looked at the floor. "Tony's with them."

"Tony? As in Tony CaPono?" Bobby asked.

"The one and the same. He knows about...." Jack trailed off.

"Your feelings?" Bobby suggested.

"Yes...I mean...no...I mean...." Jack said. There was an awkard silence.

"She loves you too, you know," Bobby said.

"She what?" Jack questioned, making sure he had heard right.

"She loves you."

"Why would she love me? I'm not worthy of her love." Jack
paused. "Wait a minute, how would you know that?"

"F.B.I. observation skills," Bobby said as he headed for the doors that
led to the main hallway.

"Is it that obvious?" Jack asked a little embarrassed.

Bobby turned back to him. "Do you know the saying, 'He can't see past the end of his nose'?"

"Must have had a long nose," Jack joked. They both chuckled. "Yeah I know it."

"Well I think that applies to you."

"I don't understand."

"If you can't see her feelings for you....well, you can't see past the end
of your nose."

"But how can you be so sure?"

"Because, I know what it's like to live in fear. The fear that she'll reject you. There's only one way to find out.....You need to have courage. Tell her how you feel. Otherwise you'll always live in fear," Bobby concluded as he went through the doors.

Jack pondered what Bobby had said. Sue loves me? Jack was still amazed at the idea. How am I ever going to tell her what I feel? Jack asked himself. He had tried time and time before to tell her, but had never gotten the chance to really say it. He knew Bobby was right, he was afraid of her rejection. He didn't know if he could take that...but he would never know unless he tried.


Jack tried to remember what had exactly happened before he got knocked out. He remembered the fear....the fear that Jack could see in Sue's face and the fear that he had felt within himself. He also remembered the feeling of betrayal....Tony. He had gone against them. Jack knew him too well to know that this wasn't just some undercover assignment, like the one he had worked with him. He also knew that Tony knew Jack's feelings for Sue. He would be using that against him. Then he remembered the pain. Not only the pain of being hit...but also the pain of not being able to help her. The pain of knowing that no matter what you do, it could and probably would turn out to be the wrong thing to do.

From where he was sitting Jack could see couples dancing, just like he had done with Sue not hours before. He thought his heart would shatter. Then another memory popped into his mind...Dimitrius, Jack remembered. He slowly got up and made his way to the doors.
-------------------------------------

Sue felt helpless as she watched them hit Jack. She watched him fall to the ground. The man walked back toward them and Marcus took her arm again and dragged her along. She turned to Jack and saw him just lie there. She felt the tears in her eyes. She turned away, knowing that her emotions couldn't take anymore. At this point she didn't really care about much. She didn't care what happened to her, she just hoped and prayed that Jack would be okay.

"Here it is," Mulligan said as they came to an isolated house, almost a cottage, that was in the woods. They had been walking for a half an hour, although to Sue it had felt like hours.

"Are you sure no one knows about this place?" Tony asked.

"No one. Except for us of course," Mulligan answered.

"Why does no one know about it?" Marcus asked.

"Because, it's deserted. It hasn't been lived in for years. It will do," Mulligan said. Sue hadn't been able to read their lips very well because it was pitch black and to her...it didn't matter.

They walked in and turned on the lights. There were cobwebs everywhere and the furniture was covered...that is the little furniture there was. Sue squinted at the bright lights.

"What should I do with her?" Marcus asked Mulligan. Sue felt his grip tighten as he pulled her forward.

Sue saw Mulligan say, "There's a room upstairs. Here's the key," he threw the keys at Marcus, "Take her up there. It's the third one on your left."

"Okay," Marcus replied as he pulled her up the stairs. He took the key and unlocked the door. The room looked like what used to be a bedroom. The
matress from the bed was gone, but the frame was left and there was a dresser. There was also a window with a ledge under it.

Marcus' grip loosened and Sue walked to the window. Marcus watched her and Sue could feel his gaze. She dropped to the floor, tears forming in her eyes again. She put her arms on the ledge and dropped her head. She sobbed into her arms. Everything that night had gone wrong. Everything.

Sue could feel footsteps coming closer to her. He put his hands on her shoulders and forced her to face him. Tears were running down her cheeks as she read, "This wasn't supposed to happen, but Tony said that you worked for the F.B.I. and Mulligan got scared. So we had to take you with us."

"Of course," Sue said. Sue's words were filled with anger and fear. She broke away from his grip and looked out the window. It was raining again and the moon was hidden behind the clouds. She began to sob again.

Marcus stood and closed the door. Although Sue couldn't hear it, she
knew that he had locked it and now she was trapped.
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I hope to post another chapter later today....so hang on...and I'll be back asap....(thanks for your replies...I appreciate it...)

I'm on vacation...so I'm going to catch up so that I'm finished in time....Here's the next chapter...
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CHAPTER 8

"Can miles truly separate friends...If you want to be with someone you love, aren't you already there?-- Richard Bach

Halloween Night-- 1:00

"How is he?" Jack asked. They had come across the greatest of luck and found a doctor among the guests.

"I got the bullet out and after I bandage him up, he'll be as good as
new," the man replied. "But stick around," he continued as Jack began to leave, "I think I should take a look at that head."

"Doc, that's not necessary," Jack tried to argue.

"I think it is. Stick around," he repeated and Jack knew that he wasn't going to get out of it.

The doctor slowly sat D up, wrapped his shoulder and then put it in a sling. Then he helped D to his feet and Bobby came over to bring him to a bench. Then the doctor went to Jack and said, "Let's take a look."

"Am I going to live?" Jack joked after the doctor had finished examining him.

"Well, you may get a big goose egg, but you'll live," he said as he winked.

"Thanks, doc." The man closed his medical bag and left.

"How are we going to find, Sue?" D asked as he sat on the bench holding his shoulder.

"I don't know. Where could they go? The bridge is out and I don't think there's anything else for miles," Bobby said.

Jack didn't say anything. There was nothing to say. He didn't know where Sue could be or even if....-it pained him to think-...if she was even...alive. He couldn't think of that. Not now. He couldn't give up hope. He walked through the doors and headed toward the dance floor. He sat at his table and watched couples dance. He looked over to Tara. He didn't know if she had heard about Sue, but from the looks of it, she knew something was wrong.

How are we ever going to find her? Jack felt helpless. Sue had gone missing before, but this time was different. There was no telling what they were going to do to her. And Jack and the team didn't know that first place to look. Keep her safe. Please keep her safe, Jack prayed. That was the only thing he could do....for now.

---------------------------------------------------

Marcus had to lock the door. It was his orders. From the beginning, Marcus didn't like the killing and the kidnapping. He didn't want any part of it, but he always was. He just wanted to get of the rut he seemed to be in....the crimes. He just wanted to live a normal life....an honest life. Soon, he told himself. But he wanted now. He wanted to not have to live in fear...of always looking over his shoulder. He wanted to live.
--------------------------------------------------

Sue was lonely. With no sleeves on her dress, she was cold. She watched out the window. Somehow, looking at the sky was comforting. The sky was always the same. It wasn't like people. People change. Tony. Tony had changed.

Her team hadn't changed. They always remained the same, honest....caring. That's why she had come to love them. Love him. Jack. His name rang in her head. Tears were in her eyes again. Everytime she thought of him, the memory came back. The pain that she felt when he fell to the ground. She knew why Carlos had done it. They didn't want to risk him following them. Sue knew that he would have too. She chuckled through her tears. He would have followed them....Any other time. But this time, he had hesitated.....Sue choked on her tears as she remembered the incident....The arm around her, with the cold metal against her temple. Jack couldn't have done anything....she would have been killed....but....why did he care so much? Sue remembered something that she hadn't thought of before. His eyes. Those wonderful eyes....they had something in them that could mean only one thing.
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I'll be back asap....

Here's the next chapter....I hope you enjoy
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CHAPTER 9

"Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies."-- Aristotle

Halloween Night-- 1:30

Jack looked around. He saw Bobby walk toward Tara. He saw as Tara began to cry. Jack turned away, afraid that he wouldn't be able to keep himself from crying. Jack didn't know what to do. He sat staring at the people on the dance floor and listened to the music that was playing. It caught his attention and he listened closer...

I have never felt like this
For once I'm lost for words
You're smile has really thrown me

Jack couldn't believe what he was hearing. He continued to listen...

This is not like me at all
I'd never thought I'd know
The kind of love you've shown me
------------------------------------------------------

Sue sat in the room, still watching out the window. Words rang in her head. None that she had ever heard(seen) before...

Now, no matter where I am
No matter what I do
I see your face appearing

For a moment, mearly a second, she saw Jack's face. He was sad. Sue closed her eyes, trying to imagine his face. The words kept playing in her head...

Like an unexpected song
An unexpected song
That only we are hearing
----------------------------------------------------

Jack was trying not to cry, but the words were hitting him hard...

I don't know what's going on
Can't work it out at all
Whatever made you choose me

Sue's eyes were wet from the tears she had cried. These words that she was hearing, reminded her of the incident that had happened earlier that night...

I just can't believe my eyes
You looked at me as though
You couldn't bear to lose me

Both of them were overwhelmed by the words...

Now, no matter where I am
No matter what I do
I see your face appearing
Like an unexpected song
An unexpected song
That only we are hearing

Sue was crying again. She felt as if her heart would explode...

I have never felt like this
For once I'm lost for words
Your smile has really thrown me
This is not like me at all
I'd never thought I'd know
The kind of love you've shown me

Jack's chin trembled. The song was too real for him...

Now, no matter where I am
No matter what I do
I see your face appearing
Like an unexpected song
An unexpected song
That only we are hearing

The song was coming to an end and both of them were in tears...

Like an unexpected song
An unexpected song
That only we are hearing
-------------------------------------

Jack couldn't stay here. He had to get out. He ran to the doors and through the hallway. Then finally to the huge doors that led outside.

It was colder now and Jack could see his breath. He choked on his tears and he sharply inhaled the cold air. He shivered and rubbed his arms. He could see in the distance some light, probably from cars passing by.

Jack promised himself he would find her. He had to.
-----------------------------------

Sue swallowed hard. She loved him. There was no denying it. She had tried to, but now she knew that she couldn't any longer.

Sue's thoughts were interrupted when she felt a warm hand touch her shoulder. She was startled and she half expected when she turned around, it would be Jack. She turned to see Marcus squating in front of her, holding a blanket.

She saw him say, "I thought you might be cold. Here."

"Thank you," Sue said as he draped the blanket over her. He stared at her for a second. He could tell she had been crying. But after a moment, he got up and walked toward the door. "Why? Why are you doing this?" Sue asked, referring to the kindness he had shown her.

Marcus paused before he faced her. "Because...I've seen too many people get hurt. I suppose....deep down, I have compassion left." He turned again and left.
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That is a real song if you'd like to know....and I heard it at a concert that I went to....I knew I had to use it for this...so....I did....But the coincidence is...is that it's another Andrew Lloyd Webster song...I enjoyed writing this chapter and I hope you enjoyed reading it....Be back asap ....thanks for the comments...by the way

CHAPTER 10

"I hold it true, whate'er befall; I feel it when I sorrow most; 'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all."-- Alfred Tennyson

Halloween Night-- 2:00

Jack composed himself and walked back into the hotel. He had walked a only a couple of feet, before he began to choke up again. He turned and headed up the stairs. He thought that maybe he would find some comfort there. He came to the door and he paused. He took a deep breath and opened it. He walked slowly as he tried to picture the evening. All the events that had passed. The night had started out great. But it was, as most things are, a rollercoaster. Up, down, and then hopefully back up again. He hadn't gotten that far yet though. He was still going down.

Jack sat down on the old chair that was near the door. He had not noticed till now, but he was exhausted. He was unaware of how late it had gotten. And he wondered if Lucy knew what had happened or if her and Levi were at home now, asleep and unaware of everything.

Jack stood up and walked toward the edge of the roof. He took a deep breath. Nearly all the clouds had disappeared by now and the full moon was visible. The stars were winking at him.

He put his arms on the ledge. Suddenly, images flashed in his mind. First there was Sue. She was smiling at him, but it was over all too soon and she turned away and disappeared. Then he saw Tony. There was hate in his eyes. Jack shook off the image.

Jack heard the door open behind him and a voice say, "Rauol?"

Jack wasn't used to being called that, but he responded to it all the same. Jack turned and anger filled his heart.
------------------------------------------

Sue rested her head on the window sill, exhausted, yet unable to sleep. Her mind wandered to home. To Lucy and Levi. Sue was glad that they hadn't had to go through this. They were probably warm and asleep by now. Levi. Sue wished that she had brought him tonight. Maybe the evening wouldn't have gone so wrong. Nothing had gone according to plan.

D, Sue remembered, he was shot. And here I am thinking about myself. Sue closed her eyes and tried to picture it. D was protecting her, as a fellow member of the team, and he had risked his life doing it. She could only pray that he was okay.
------------------------------------------

Bobby didn't like telling Tara bad news, but she deserved to know. "Tara," he began.

"What is it?" Tara asked.

"It's Sue."

"What about Sue?"

"Mulligan ....he umm...kidnapped her," Bobby said with sadness in his voice.

"What?" Tara said. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Sue? Kidnapped? "But why?" Tara questioned, beginning to cry.

"Tony's with them." Bobby couldn't stand to see her cry. "Now Mulligan knows who we are."

Tara couldn't speak. Even if she could, she wouldn't know what to say. Luckily, to break the awkward silenlce, Myles came up to them and asked, "What's going on? Where is everyone?"

Bobby rolled his eyes. Myles had that tone in his voice that meant he really didn't care, but he was curious to know. "Jack's around, Dimitrius is upstairs being taken care of..."

"Taken care of?" Tara asked.

"Just a second. And Sue....is....gone."

"Gone?" Myles questioned.

"That's what I said, gone," Bobby snapped. He was tired and he wasn't in the mood for this right now. He turned to Tara his voice softer, "What I meant about D being 'taken care of', is that...he was shot and now there's a doctor who's taking care of him."

Before Bobby could finish, Tara started in, "Shot? How? When?"

Bobby couldn't stand this anymore. But he bit his lip and said, "He was trying to help Sue."

Myles walked away seeing that Bobby was not in a good mood. He knew that it was going to be a long night, and they could do without his sarcastic comments.

"What are we going to do?" Tara asked, tears running down her cheeks.

But Bobby, like everyone at this point, didn't know what to do. "I don't know."
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I'm moving along...so I'm hoping that I'll be finished by tomorrow...but it's going to be close....I'll be back....I've got to go to a show choir concert soon, but the wheels in my head will still be turning ....thanks for the replies ....

CHAPTER 10

"I hold it true, whate'er befall; I feel it when I sorrow most; 'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all."-- Alfred Tennyson

Halloween Night-- 2:00

Jack composed himself and walked back into the hotel. He had walked a only a couple of feet, before he began to choke up again. He turned and headed up the stairs. He thought that maybe he would find some comfort there. He came to the door and he paused. He took a deep breath and opened it. He walked slowly as he tried to picture the evening. All the events that had passed. The night had started out great. But it was, as most things are, a rollercoaster. Up, down, and then hopefully back up again. He hadn't gotten that far yet though. He was still going down.

Jack sat down on the old chair that was near the door. He had not noticed till now, but he was exhausted. He was unaware of how late it had gotten. And he wondered if Lucy knew what had happened or if her and Levi were at home now, asleep and unaware of everything.

Jack stood up and walked toward the edge of the roof. He took a deep breath. Nearly all the clouds had disappeared by now and the full moon was visible. The stars were winking at him.

He put his arms on the ledge. Suddenly, images flashed in his mind. First there was Sue. She was smiling at him, but it was over all too soon and she turned away and disappeared. Then he saw Tony. There was hate in his eyes. Jack shook off the image.

Jack heard the door open behind him and a voice say, "Rauol?"

Jack wasn't used to being called that, but he responded to it all the same. Jack turned and anger filled his heart.
------------------------------------------

Sue rested her head on the window sill, exhausted, yet unable to sleep. Her mind wandered to home. To Lucy and Levi. Sue was glad that they hadn't had to go through this. They were probably warm and asleep by now. Levi. Sue wished that she had brought him tonight. Maybe the evening wouldn't have gone so wrong. Nothing had gone according to plan.

D, Sue remembered, he was shot. And here I am thinking about myself. Sue closed her eyes and tried to picture it. D was protecting her, as a fellow member of the team, and he had risked his life doing it. She could only pray that he was okay.
------------------------------------------

Bobby didn't like telling Tara bad news, but she deserved to know. "Tara," he began.

"What is it?" Tara asked.

"It's Sue."

"What about Sue?"

"Mulligan ....he umm...kidnapped her," Bobby said with sadness in his voice.

"What?" Tara said. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Sue? Kidnapped? "But why?" Tara questioned, beginning to cry.

"Tony's with them." Bobby couldn't stand to see her cry. "Now Mulligan knows who we are."

Tara couldn't speak. Even if she could, she wouldn't know what to say. Luckily, to break the awkward silenlce, Myles came up to them and asked, "What's going on? Where is everyone?"

Bobby rolled his eyes. Myles had that tone in his voice that meant he really didn't care, but he was curious to know. "Jack's around, Dimitrius is upstairs being taken care of..."

"Taken care of?" Tara asked.

"Just a second. And Sue....is....gone."

"Gone?" Myles questioned.

"That's what I said, gone," Bobby snapped. He was tired and he wasn't in the mood for this right now. He turned to Tara his voice softer, "What I meant about D being 'taken care of', is that...he was shot and now there's a doctor who's taking care of him."

Before Bobby could finish, Tara started in, "Shot? How? When?"

Bobby couldn't stand this anymore. But he bit his lip and said, "He was trying to help Sue."

Myles walked away seeing that Bobby was not in a good mood. He knew that it was going to be a long night, and they could do without his sarcastic comments.

"What are we going to do?" Tara asked, tears running down her cheeks.

But Bobby, like everyone at this point, didn't know what to do. "I don't know."
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I'm moving along...so I'm hoping that I'll be finished by tomorrow...but it's going to be close....I'll be back....I've got to go to a show choir concert soon, but the wheels in my head will still be turning ....thanks for the replies

here's the next chapter...I've got to hurry...these have to be finished by tom...well here you go....enjoy
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CHAPTER 11

"Love takes off masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within."-- James A. Baldwin

Halloween Night-- 2:30

"You," Jack said as he walked toward the man. Jack was angry and he did, what most men would do. He clenched his fist and swung, landing a nasty blow to the man's face.

"Please, don't!" Marcus said as he crouched like an afraid animal.

Jack paid the request no mind. He grabbed the man's shirt and pushed him up against the door. "Where is she?" he asked with the hatred that he felt in his heart.

"Please, I came to help," Marcus pleaded.

Jack let him go and asked, "You've already helped enough." He walked back to where he had been standing.

"You don't understand. I know what I did was wrong, but that's why I'm
here. If I don't help you now, she'll die."

"What do you mean?" Jack asked as he turned to face Marcus.

"You don't have much time. Sue knows too much...and they're going to....kill her," Marcus said as he sat down, holding his injury.

"Why are you here?" Jack asked, his voice softening.

"I didn't want her to get hurt and this wasn't part of the plan. I've let too many things happen. But with your help, I can stop it."

"How do I know I can trust you?"

"You don't. But without me, you'll never find her."

"Will they really kill her?" Jack asked with concern.

"They haven't hesitated so far," Marcus said.

Jack nodded, his worst fears confirmed. "What about Tony?"

"Well, Tony might hesitate...he has a history with Sue."

"I know," Jack said.

"That's right, I forgot, you worked with him once."

"That was a long time ago," Jack said, remembering the case. How jealous and concerned he had been. "Why is he doing this?"

"Tony thought that...by becoming the criminal, after being an F.B.I. agent would have more of an upside." Marcus paused as if trying to think of something. "But he doesn't know."

"How'd you get into this mess?" Jack asked, leaning on the ledge.

"I've been a criminal my whole life. Until now, nothing big. I was just trying to get by, you know? But....I've seen too many people get hurt...killed. I never liked that.....I wanted out a long time ago, but...I was too afraid to try and make a living the honest way.........This is my one chance to help myself."

"I promise you," Jack said as he walked toward Marcus and put his hand his shoulder, "if you help us. We'll get you a real job."

"You would do that for me?"

"Yes, but...you would have to testify against Mulligan and the others."
"Anything."

"Now....before we waste any more time, where are they?"

"Well, there's a wooded area behind the hotel. If you go for about a
mile, there'll be a house. That's where they are."

"We'll go now," Jack said as he walked toward the door.

"Are the others going with us?"

"Yes, why?"

"Just wondering."

Marcus and Jack went back down the stairs. "Oh, by the way, sorry
about that," Jack said to Marcus pointing to where he had hit him.

"That's okay. It's understandable."
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Thanks for the replies...they keep me going ...be back asap

I know that this is really soon to post the next chapter...but oh well...here it is....
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CHAPTER 12

"A champion is someone who gets up, even when they can't."-- Natalie Rogers

Halloween Night-- 3:00

Sue sat in the room again, crying , not only because she was lonely, but because a little while before, they had brought her downstairs. All the men were there, and they were asking her what she knew. The event kept replaying in her head, no matter how much she didn't want it to....

"What did you see?" Mulligan asked. Sue knew very well what he was refering to.

"I saw you talk about the weather," Sue answered.

"What about after the weather?" Tony questioned. They were pacing back and forth and this made Sue nervous.

"You talked about Jack."

"What did we say?" Tony asked, knowing that the questions tormented her.

"You talked about........" Sue couldn't say the word.

"About what?" Mulligan asked harshly.

"Making his....murder look like a suicide."

"That's right. Now I knew that you would see that," Tony said. "That's why you're here. You know too much."

"That's too bad because, when the bridge is fixed, we're out of here
and I'm afraid you won't be coming with us. You'll be dead."

Carlos then grabbed Sue's arm and dragged her back upstairs. He threw her into the room and Sue went back to her spot by the window....

That's where she sat now, tears streaming down her face. She didn't
know what would happen to her. She prayed to God for her life to be spared. Like anyone else, she didn't want to die. She wanted to get the chance to tell Jack how she felt. She kept thinking, I might not get that chance.
-------------------------------------------

"Bobby," Jack said as he approached the table.

"What is it?" Bobby asked as he walked toward Jack.

"I think I know where to find Sue."

"Where?"

"Get Myles. We're going to go there right now. I'll meet you outside."

" 'Kay," Bobby said as he headed toward the kitchen area, where Myles
was.

When they were all outside, Bobby recognized Marcus and said, "Why
you." Bobby was about to take a swing at him, but Jack stopped him.

"I've already done that and anyway, he's going to help us," Jack said
as he let go of Bobby's arm.

"This way," Marcus said as he began walking. Jack, Bobby, and Myles followed close behind.

"How do we know we can trust this guy?" Bobby whispered to Jack.

"He's our only chance of finding her," Jack said.

The rest of the way, there wasn't a word said between them. Jack kept his hand on his gun- Tara's actually- just to be sure that, if anything went wrong,
he would be ready.
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I promise that the situation will get better for the team....anyway...be back asap

CHAPTER 13

"A woman knows the face of the man she loves as a sailor knows the open sea."-- Honore de Balzac

Halloween Night-- 3:30

Jack had already been tired, but after about a mile walk, he was
extremely exhausted. So were Marcus, Bobby, and Myles.

"Is this it?" Jack whispered to Marcus.

"This is it," Marcus whispered back. "Now, I'll go in and wait a minute or two before you come in, okay?"

"Sounds reasonable to me," Jack said.

Marcus walked in the door and time passed agonizingly slow to Jack. He looked at the house. It had definately been abandoned and as his eyes went up the house, he saw a window on the second floor, with a light turned on. Sue, Jack thought to himself. He saw her shadow in the window and he thanked God that she was still okay.

"I'll go in first. Cover me at the door," Jack told Bobby.

Jack went first, with Bobby and Myles following. Bobby and Myles waited at the side and Jack took a deep breath before knocking the door down. With his gun in front of him, he walked in. He came to the main room, where Mulligan, Tony, and Carlos were sitting at a table and Marcus stood off to the side.

The three men stood as he came through the door. Tony spoke first, "It's good to see you again, Jack."

"I wish I could say the same about you," Jack said in reply.

"Where is she, Mulligan?" Bobby said.

"The name's Samuel, if you don't mind. And don't worry, she's alright. Maybe a little shaken up," Mulligan said as he motioned for Carlos to go upstairs.

Jack heard a door open and then close upstairs. When he saw Sue coming down the stairs, he lowered his gun.

Sue looked up and said, "Jack!" And, breaking away from Carlos' grip, she ran down the stairs and toward Jack. But before she could make it to him, Tony grabbed her. Jack moved toward her, but Marcus stopped him. Jack's gun fell out of his hands and rolled toward Mulligan.

"Thank you, Jack," Mulligan said as he picked up the gun and cocked it. He pointed it at Jack.

"You said nobody was going to get hurt," Marcus said.

"Well, I lied," Mulligan said simply. "Goodbye, Jack."

Sue watched as Mulligan pointed the gun at Jack, who was defenseless. Sue felt a lump in her throat as she herself, watched helplessly.

But Marcus wasn't going to go along with this. As he yelled, "No!" he pushed Jack out of the way, putting himself in the line of fire just as Mulligan pulled the trigger. Jack watched as Marcus fell to the ground. As Jack went over to him, Myles and Bobby walked in.

"You're under arrest, Samuel Mulligan," Bobby said as he headed toward Mulligan with some handcuffs.

Meanwhile, Jack was still amazed that he was still alive. "Why did you do that?"

"I....saw....too many.....people.... get killed....remember," Marcus struggled to say before he breathed his last breath.

Jack gently put Marcus' head on the floor, as Bobby and Myles passed by with Mulligan, Tony and Carlos in handcuffs. Jack stood up and his thoughts shifted as he looked to Sue. Jack opened his arms and Sue ran to them.

As Jack held her, Bobby came in and asked, "You two coming?"

"You guys go ahead, we'll catch up to you," Jack told Bobby.

"Okay, mate. Meet you there."

Jack looked back to Sue. She smiled and she thought to herself, It feels good to smile again. _________________________________________________________________
If there are any grammer or spelling mistakes...I apologize...but I'm kind of in a hurry....and I promise that I'll finish.....be back asap

CHAPTER 14

"A kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous."-- Ingrid Bergman

Halloween Night-- 4:00(give or take a few minutes)

Jack couldn't help but smile and chuckle when he saw Sue's tear-stained face. As much as it saddened him to imagine how many times she must have cried, the look of her smeared make-up made him laugh. But from her
expression, he could tell she wasn't in the mood right now for jokes.

Sue's smile had changed soon after Bobby had left with Marcus. "I was so afraid," Sue said as she cuddled close to him. Jack in response wrapped his arms around her and rubbed her soothingly. Sue liked the feeling of security that she found in his arms.

As he held her, he whispered to himself, "So was I....so was I."

Sue moved away and looked into his eyes and said, "Jack?"

"Yes?" Jack said, his eyes soft.

"Why did they take ME?"

Jack said, "Because they knew something."

"Knew what?"

"That I...." Jack began, but words weren't good enough to describe what he was feeling. His face moved closer to hers.

"You what?" Sue said as she began to move closer to him as well- her eyes beginning to close.

Jack didn't answer, he just kept getting closer until their lips touched. Jack put his arm around Sue and pulled her closer. He cupped her faced in his other hand. He could feel Sue's arms as they wrapped around his neck.

Sue returned the kiss. The touch of his hand on her back, mixed with his hand of the back of her neck, put butterflies in her stomach. The love that she was feeling right now was unlike any other. This time, she truly loved him back.

But, like all good things, the kiss slowly came to an end. Sue stared at Jack and smiled. Her eyes started to tear up again...except this time they were happy tears.

"At least this time, we weren't interrupted," Jack pointed out. They both laughed. They had never gotten to do anything, it seemed, without being interrupted. "When I came here, I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to do that."

"It's all in the past now," Sue said as she touched his face with her hand. Jack grabbed it and kissed her palm.

"We'd better get back to the hotel," Jack said as he grabbed Sue's hand.

"You're right," Sue said as Jack took off his jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders. "Thank you," Sue said.

"Your welcome." Jack stopped at the door and faced her. "You're a sight, you know?"

Sue realized that her make-up was probably a mess and she began to wipe her face with the back of her hand, but Jack grabbed it and said, "You look beautiful."

Sue shook her head and said, "How did I ever fall in love with you?"

"Beats me," Jack said with a wink. Jack took his thumb and began to gently wipe away the smeared mascara and eye shadow.

"We'd better go," Sue interrupted, feeling herself blush.

Jack and Sue, both, thought to themselves as they began to walk back to the hotel, Why didn't I do this sooner?
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Sorry I'm going so fast....i hope you understand...I'm in a hurry because I have school tomorrow and I'm trying to spread out the chapters as much as possible...well be back soon

CHAPTER 15

"We all want to fall in love. Why? Because that experience makes us feel completely alive, where every sense is heightened, and every emotion is magnified. Our everyday reality is shattered and we are flung into the heavens. It may only last a moment, an hour, or an afternoon, but that doesn't diminish its value, because we are left with memories that we treasurd for the rest of our lives."-- From the movie The Mirror Has Two Faces (starring Barbara Streisand)

Halloween Night-- 4:30

"It's about time, Sparky," Bobby said as Jack and Sue walked through the doors.

Jack jokingly rolled his eyes. Then, D walked through one of the other doors. Sue went to hug him. "Thank you," she told him.

"Your welcome," D replied. Tara soon walked through the same doors. Sue hugged her friend who had tears in her eyes.

"You're okay," Tara said.

"Thanks to the best of the F.B.I.," Sue replied, as she smiled at Jack. He returned the smile.

"I have this feeling that I missed something," Tara said.

"Let's just say, that I finally came to my senses," Sue replied.

"So does this mean that you and Jack are together now?"

"I suppose you could say that. And what about you?"

"What about me?" Tara asked.

"You and Bobby?" Sue asked.

"Maybe. I don't know about how he feels about me."

"I felt the same way, but you know what?"

"What?"

"I never would have known about how he felt, if I hadn't realized that life is short and you never know what tomorrow's going to bring. So, you may not get the chance to tell him if you wait too long," Sue told her.


"Where are Mulligan and his gang?" Jack asked Bobby when Sue was talking to Tara.

"There on there way to the bureau."

Jack gave him a puzzled look. "But how?"

"Apparently, while we were gone, they fixed the bridge."

"And if we had gotten to Sue any later, it would have been too late,"
Jack said. "I'm thankful to God that we got there when we did." Jack looked at Sue
and she was looking back at him. "Will you excuse me?" Jack said as he went over to Sue, grabbed her hand and led her through the doors toward the dance floor.

"What's he doing?" D asked as he walked up to Bobby.

"I don't know, but it's a good idea," Bobby said as he walked to Tara, grabbed her hand and led her through the doors toward the dance floor.

D shook his head and followed the two couples. D said to himself as walked, "I have a feeling that love is in the air."
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I think that I will be finished in time...whew ...well not yet...be back asap

CHAPTER 16

"I love you, not only for what you are, but for what I am when I'm with you."-- Roy Croft

Halloween Night-- 5:00

Jack and Sue danced alongside Bobby and Tara. Jack said to Sue, "De ja voux."

Sue couldn't tell what he had said. "What?"

"This looks familar," Jack interpreted.

"But it doesn't feel the same," Sue told him.

"You've got a point," Jack said before he swept her across the floor.

Meanwhile Bobby said to Tara, "They don't know what they've got there." Bobby could see from their expressions, that Jack and Sue were in love. It wasn't the same as it had been before. They weren't trying to hide it anymore. And even a blind man could see the truth.

"But I know what I've got here," Tara told him. "C'mon let's go get a
drink." Bobby looked at her, puzzled. "You know, a drink? C'mon." Bobby and Tara went to the punch table and got something to drink.


"I still don't understand," Jack said, he was confused. Sue was trying to explain about Mulligan. They had gone outside and were walking in the gardens that were nearby the hotel.

"Never mind. It's not important now. I'm safe and we're together, that's all that matters."

"If I didn't know better, I would think you were trying to evade the question," Jack joked.

"It's possible." Jack chuckled. Sue said again, "But I was terrified, before you came. I was afraid I wasn't going to be able to tell you goodbye.

He faced her and did his best to sing, "I'm here, nothing can harm you- my words will warm and calm you."

Sue caught on and sang back softly, "Say you need me with you now and always. Promise me that all you say is true."

Together they sang, "Love me, that's all I ask of you."

Jack told her, "Sorry, that was probably bad."

"Didn't bother me," Sue said with a wink.

Jack turned around. Behind him was a rose bush. He carefully picked one and turned back to Sue. He held out the rose and bowed. Then he said, "I'm in love with you, Sue Thomas." She took the rose.

Sue teasingly pretended to think for a second. Playing with the rose, she said, "I suppose....I'm in love with you, too, Jack Hudson."

Jack smiled and held her hands in his. His face moved closer to hers. And they kissed. With Jack's arms around Sue's body and her arms wrapped around his neck, he picked her off the ground and slowly spun. When he put her down, the kiss broke. Jack stared at her, admiring her. He knew that their relationship could only get better. The rollercoaster was going up again. He never wanted to ever go down again.
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I'm finishing up tonight....I have to....be back asap

CHAPTER 17

"A true hero isn't measured by the size of his strength, but by the strength of his heart."-- Zeus from Disney's Hercules

Halloween Night-- 5:30

"Where's Myles?" Tara asked Bobby.

"He went back to the bureau. He was getting too bored here," Bobby answered the way that Myles probably would.

Tara laughed at Bobby's impersonation. "That sounds like Myles."

"I don't know how he could be bored. As for me, I've been on my toes all evening," Bobby said.

"Same here," Tara stated.

"Really?"

"So much so, that I had almost forgotten that this was a case that we were working on."

"Now that I think about it, I think I felt the same way," Bobby said.

They watched as Jack and Sue walked in. "Crazy," Bobby said under his breath.

"What?" Tara asked.

"I said, 'crazy'. Jack was almost killed for her."

"Well, you know....people do crazy things when their in love," Tara said.

"Hercules."

"Yeah. How'd you know?" Tara asked, curious to know.

"I secretly love that movie...shhhhhh," Bobby said as he put his pointer
finger to his mouth.

Tara zipped her lips. "I promise..."-at a whisper- "I won't tell anyone," she said as she tapped his hat.

"Thanks, sheila," Bobby said.

-------------------------------------

"Look at them," Jack said nodding toward Bobby and Tara.

Sue looked and saw them smiling. "They look happy," Sue said.

"What are they saying?"

"Jack Hudson, I didn't know you were the eavesdropping type," she said gently scolding him.

"Well, I'm not. But it's Bobby....please," he said giving her some puppy eyes. "Is there anything I can use against him?"

Sue took her imaginary key and locked her lips and shook her head.

"Can you at least tell me the topic of what they're talking about?"

"They're talking about movies."

"Oh. Well, what's your favorite movie?"

"I don't watch many...but if I had to choose one, I'd say..." Sue thought
about it for a minute. "Actually, you know....I don't know. What about you?"

"Well, I like a lot of movies....I don't think I could label one my favorite though."

"What about Hercules?" Sue asked.

"What?"

"It's one of Bobby's favorites....but you can't tell him that I told you."

"Wouldn't think of it," Jack said as he smiled.

"And be nice," Sue said.

"What will you do if I'm not?"

"You don't want to know,"

"I'd better not then."

They both laughed and smiled at one another. What a life!____________________________________________________________________
By the way....if you didn't notice... I used a line from Raiders of the Lost Ark in the last chapter....just thought I'd tell you....anyway....next chapter is the last....I promise I'll make it worth it.....be back before midnight

Here is the next and final chapter...sadly .....anyway....I'd like to thank you for your support....it kept me going through to the end....thank you...I'd hope you enjoy this last chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it....
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CHAPTER 18

"Tomorrow is my favorite day. It always comes after today. It has new places and things to do and peoples' faces old and new. Tomorrow is my favorite day because it never goes away."-- Jenny Bigo Age: 11 Anthology of Poetry by Young Americans 1997 Edition

November 1-- 6:00

The party had begun to wind down. People, the team included, were beginning to leave after a long night. Looking out the windows, you could see the sun was beginning to rise. It was a beautiful morning. Before the team left, they danced one last time.

Dancing to "Who I Am" (what a coincidence right?), the couples reminiscing about the evening.

"Would you ever work Halloween again?" Sue asked Jack.

"Maybe," Jack replied.

"But I thought you said to remind you not to work Halloween ever
again."

"Well, people can change their minds can't they?"

"I suppose."

There was a pause. "Did you have a good time tonight?" Jack asked to
break the awkward silence.

"Yeah....except of course the part where I was kidnapped and my life
was threatened. Yeah, I had a good time."

Jack laughed and said, "You've got that right. But I must admit the events that followed pretty much made up for it."

"I suppose," Sue said with a smile. "And the best part was..." Sue left it open for him to answer.

"I'd have to say when the lights went out....in the building I mean," Jack joked. Sue shook her head at his jest. "Just kidding, the best part was when I
found you."

"For me, the best part was the dancing and the walk in the garden," Sue said, smiling at the memory.

"The clouds are gone and the sun is shining," Jack said out of the blue.

"What?" Sue asked confused.

"There were clouds all night. I think they were clouding everyone's
emotions...But not anymore. Now," Jack said as he stopped dancing, "everything is perfect." He held Sue's hands in his.

"Perfect," Sue repeated as she smiled.


"Working on Halloween isn't that bad," Bobby said.

Tara gave him a look that said, Oh, yeah?

Bobby answered the look with, "I would probably never do it again, but it's definately better than sitting in the office doing paperwork."

"You may have a point. And I suppose it's better than working other holidays."

There was a short pause before Bobby said, "I think the night turned out very good if you ask me."

"What was you're favorite part?" Tara asked.

"I'd have to say the dressing up as Indiana. I always loved dressing up on Halloween," Bobby said tipping his hat.

"I liked the spooky feel of the party. I had a lot of fun," Tara said.

"That's what we came here to do. That and catch Mulligan. Both of which we obviously achieved."

"Everything seemed to turn out right," Tara said.

"Just like in a storybook," Bobby said. He stopped dancing and grabbed Tara's hands and held them close.


As the song ended, both couples kissed for the last time....this case anyway. While they held each other close, the last notes of the song played....

That's who I am, and that's who I am

After they broke the kiss, both couples walked out the doors hand in hand. They were being driven back to the bureau in a limo (what style!), the same one they had come in. Jack and Sue got in first, then Bobby and Tara, and then D who sat in the front.

Tara fell asleep soon after she got in. It had been a long night and a sleepless one. Bobby watched as her eyes steadily closed and her breathing evened. He knew in his heart was beginning to feel the effects of love.

As they began to move, Sue felt her eyes droop. She was so tired. She rested her head on Jack's shoulder and was soon asleep. Jack, too, was tired, but before he konked out, he kissed the top of Sue's head, taking in the sweet fragrance of her hair. As he fell asleep, Someday, he thought, someday.



THE END

Stfbeyerocks, I just caught up on several posts and was here for the end!!

What a great story!! I loved every minute of it!! Jack and Sue, Bobby and Tara - it was all wonderful!!

Thank you so much for sharing your awesome talent with us!!

Joy

Happily ever after...

glad they rescued sue and that D wasn't hurt too bad. yay jack and sue finally admitted their feelings.
aww cute bobby/tara glad they got closer too.